Pretoria: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the Pretoria High Court’s dismissal of the interdict application to suspend the appointments of five trustees to the board of the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
According to South African Government News Agency, the application was brought to the court by Black Forum SA and Izwi Labantu Forum. The Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure stated that the ruling affirms that the Minister acted in the best interests of ethical governance at the IDT in opposing the application.
The Minister expressed that the ruling is a victory for the IDT and the communities it serves through the construction of social infrastructure nationwide. The IDT is a Schedule 2 state-owned entity responsible for managing and delivering essential social infrastructure programmes for the government, with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure serving as the shareholder representative.
The Minister noted that there have been ongoing concerns from various individuals about the efforts to reform the IDT and address governance issues after years of corruption allegations and maladministration. He emphasized that the court’s decision, despite challenges such as fake news, falsified voice notes, and a coordinated social media campaign, is a critical step in holding accountable those involved in corruption.
Macpherson expressed gratitude to his legal team for their decisive handling of the case, ensuring that all legal protocols were adhered to, preventing any legal obstacles to the reform efforts at the IDT. He also mentioned that the IDT board now has the confidence to act with full legal authority.